At Home in Mitford: The Mitford Years, Book 1

It's easy to feel at home in Mitford. In these high, green hills, the air is pure, the village is charming, and the people are generally lovable. Yet Father Tim, the bachelor rector, wants something more. Enter a dog the size of a sofa who moves in and won't go away. Add an attractive neighbor who begins wearing a path through the hedge. Now, stir in a lovable but unloved boy, a mystifying jewel theft, and a secret that's 60 years old.

Home to Holly Springs: The First of the Father Tim Novels

After more than 38 years, Father Tim Kavanagh returns to his childhood home of Holly Springs, Mississippi, on a profoundly personal journey. Whatever became of Tommy Noles, his forbidden childhood friend, and Peggy, the loving woman who was like his second mother? What were the facts behind the court trial that drove the Kavanagh family even further apart?

A Miracle for St. Cecilia’s

A Miracle for St. Cecilia’s is a heartwarming story that all lovers of Christian fiction will find uplifting and entertaining. St. Cecilia’s, an old, outdated Catholic Church in a small New England town, is about to be closed down, much to the dismay of the faithful townsfolk. What will become of Father James Flaherty and the aging Father Keene - and what of the flock? When faith and hope endure, even miracles are possible.

A Gathering of Angels: Dorsetville, Book 2

Brimming with pleasing plot twists, this heartwarming sequel to best-seller A Miracle for St. Cecilia’s demonstrates the power of prayer and the courage of compassion. Robbed by his construction partner, Barry struggles to complete a riverfront hotel and pay off menacing mobsters. But while he and dozens of other denizens of Dorsetville await God’s help, a series of events helps transform the town forever. John McDonough strikes just the right balance as he enhances Katherine Valentine’s cozy, feet-up-on-the-footstool tone with his comfortable cadence.

The Welcome Committee of Butternut Creek

The first novel in a charming new series, award-winning author Jane Myers Perrine's The Welcome Committee of Butternut Creek is an amusing, warmhearted look at a small town's reception of its newly ordained minister. The mission of committee members Miss Birdie and Mercedes is to educate Adam Jordan on how things should be done in town. But soon the ladies decide on a new goal - to find him a wife.

Grace Will Lead Me Home

Katherine Valentine’s two previous Dorsetville novels enchanted listeners with lovable characters and rich humor. The third installment delivers more of the day-to-day intrigue and comic happenstance only found in Valentine’s endearing community. All is not well in Dorsetville - the sheriff is ill, tragic news awaits Lori Peterson - but in a close-knit community like this, there is no shortage of neighborly care to get you through life’s twists and turns.

Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind

Miss Julia, a recently bereaved and newly wealthy widow, is only slightly bemused when one Hazel Marie Puckett appears at her door with a youngster in tow and unceremoniously announces that the child is the bastard son of Miss Julia's late husband. Suddenly, this longtime church member and pillar of her small Southern community finds herself in the center of an unseemly scandal - and the guardian of a wan nine-year-old whose mere presence turns her life upside down.

The Undoing of Saint Silvanus

Only God knew why Jillian Slater agreed to return to New Orleans on the news that her father had finally drunk himself to death. It's not like they were close. She hadn't seen him - or her grandmother, the ice queen - in almost 20 years. But when Adella Atwater, the manager of her grandmother's apartment house, called and said her expenses would be paid if she'd fly in for the burial, a free trip to New Orleans was too intriguing to resist.

The County Fair

With the Lichfield County Fair just around the corner, Dorsetville is a beehive of activity. But is there still time for faith and compassion to help a failing carnival, an aged debutante, and a disillusioned teen?

On a Wing and a Prayer: Dorsetville, Book 4

Popular author Katherine Valentine pens the highly anticipated fourth novel in her beloved Dorsetville series. On a Wing and a Prayer is an enchanting portrait of life in a quaint New England town "where miracles are never far away". The 12-year-old Gallagher twins fall through the ice on Fenns Pond and need a miracle of their own. Father James, the parishioners of St. Cecilia’s, Doc Hammond, and all the regulars at the Country Kettle Café struggle to keep their faith as God’s will is eventually revealed.

Waves of Mercy

Geesje de Jonge crossed the ocean at age 17 with her parents and a small group of immigrants from the Netherlands to settle in the Michigan wilderness. Fifty years later, in 1897, she's asked to write a memoir of her early experiences as the town celebrates its anniversary. Reluctant at first, she soon uncovers memories and emotions hidden all these years, including the story of her one true love.

The Christmas Town

Lauren Gabriel spent many years of her childhood in foster homes, wishing her mother would come back for her and be the family she needs. Now 20 years old, she still longs for a place that she can truly call home. Her work as a cashier is unfulfilling, and at Christmas it's unbearable with the songs and carols and chatter of Christmas that she hears throughout the day.

A Christmas Message

When Victor Narraway, Thomas Pitt's close friend and former boss, and his new wife, Lady Vespasia, travel to Jerusalem for a Christmas holiday, Vespasia cannot shake the feeling that they are being watched. Then, an old man leaves a mysterious envelope for Narraway - and is murdered soon after. But it is only when the couple is ambushed the following morning that they realize they are in grave danger.

The Devoted: The Bishop's Family, Book 3

Bright, curious, and restless, Ruthie Stoltzfus loves her family but is stuck in a sea of indecision about her future: Should she stay Amish? Or should she leave? She's done all she can to prepare to go - passed the GED, saved her money - but she can't quite set her journey into motion. Patrick Kelly is a young man on a journey of his own. He's come to Stoney Ridge to convert to the Amish and has given himself 30 days to learn the language, drive a buggy, and adapt to "everything Plain". Time, to Patrick, is of the essence.

The Twelve Dogs of Christmas: An Andy Carpenter Mystery

Defense lawyer Andy Carpenter usually tries to avoid taking on new cases at all costs. But this time, he's happy - eager, even - to take the case that's just come his way. Andy's long-time friend Martha "Pups" Boyer takes in stray puppies that the local dog rescue center can't handle, raises them until they're old enough to adopt, and then finds good homes for them. Not everyone admires the work Pups does as much as Andy does, however.

The Wish

A compelling story of friendship from the top author in Amish fiction, Leona Speicher got the "sister" she'd always dreamed of the day Gloria Gingerich and her family moved to Lancaster County Amish farmland. The Arkansas newcomers seem to be everything a devout Plain family should be, and Leona can't help comparing Gloria's engaging young parents to her own. Leona's cousin shows a romantic interest in Gloria around the same time as Gloria's older brother expresses his fondness for Leona.

Precious and Grace: No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Book 17

Precious Ramotswe, Botswana's premier lady detective, is a little short on help. The codirector of the agency, Grace Makutsi, is busy with her own case, her client none other than their erstwhile assistant, Mr. Polopetsi, who has unwittingly involved himself in a pyramid scheme. The agency's other assistant, Charlie, may also need more help than he can offer, as he is newly embroiled in a romance with a glamorous woman about whom the others have their doubts.

The Priest: Aaron

His courage covered his brother's fear. His sacrifices atoned for the peoples sin. His voice carried the words of God. Moses parted the red sea. But in his shadow stood a man who symbolizes forever our great High Priest: Aaron.

Publisher's Summary

Since he was a boy growing up in Mississippi, Father Tim has lived what he calls "the life of the mind". Except for cooking and gardening and washing his dog, he never learned to savor the work of his hands. And then he finds a derelict nativity scene: twenty figures, including a flock of sheep, that have suffered the indignities of time and neglect.

Could he give the small company new life? Restore the camel's ear, repaint every piece, replace a missing nose on a wise man? "You can't teach an old dog new tricks!" he reminds himself. It's when he imagines the excitement in Cynthia's eyes that he steps up to the plate and begins a small journey of faith that touches everyone around him.

The eighth novel in the bestselling Mitford Years series is a meditation on the best of all presents: the gift of one's heart. Lovingly written, it seeks to restore the true Christmas spirit and give everyone a seat at Mitford's holiday table.

Continue the holiday cheer with two more trips to Mitford with The Mitford Snowmen and Esther's Gift, both included in this audio edition.

As always with Jan Karon books, the story line draws you in and you become immersed in the warm feeling of rural life. The Hardships, Love, petty bickering are all a part of America's every day life, minus the hustle and bustle of big city life. The streets are familiar to each and every one of us, even though the names are different. The easy going life, is heart warming for both men and women, and brings back flashes of old memories buried deep in our minds. I purchased the book series primarily for my wife but found myself wrapped in the warmth of the story, and before I knew it I too was hooked.

I might compare this book to The Christmas Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini. They are both very heartwarming stories with well-developed characters. They both are part of a series. They both are written in such a way that I really want to know about these characters and I care about them. These books both make me want to read more of the series.

If you could take any character from Shepherds Abiding out to dinner, who would it be and why?

I think I would take Father Tim and Cynthia out to dinner. They are written as such intelligent, caring, creative people.

Even though Fr. Cavanaugh was born and raised in the South, I have never imagined that he would have a terribly strong accent, unless the circumstances called for it. Mr. McDonough's performance followed my perception, so I was very satisfied with his interpretation.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

This is my fifth Christmas to listen to this audiobook. The first time I listened, I didn't even know this was part of a series. I soon fell in love with the characters and ultimately listened to the entire series in order. But I come back to this one every year. This year I am listening with my 16 yo daughter. Every year I laugh at Uncle Billy and Rose, hope with Hope, and stress out a bit with Father Tim as he takes on a project that would be overwhelming for a man half his age. Every year I return to my roots as Father Tim returns to his, and I remember with him the true meaning of Christmas.